Nutrients and noncommunicable diseases

With Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like stroke, heart attack, and cancer, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide, it is important to take steps to mitigate risk. A study done on Korean adults found that increased intakes of multiple individual nutrients, from fruits and vegetables, were linked with a lower risk of NCDs.

Rugby and fueling for success

In a study observing professional male rugby players, it was found that although players appear to meet their fuelling requirements in their pre-game and post-game meals, they do not meet the suggested daily carbohydrate fuelling needs. With athletes demonstrating relatively low carbohydrate intake compared to sports nutrition recommendations, it is important to ensure that a…

Nutrition and mental health

Mental health is an integral and essential component of human health, and an unhealthy lifestyle can be associated with poor mental health. A recent study encourages the integration of micro- and macronutrients in a well-balanced and varied diet, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, for preservation of normal brain function and well-being.

Hydration and performance

There are many factors that can contribute to sport performance such as hydration, energy levels and more. One of the less considered factors is temperature and weather. A recent study finds that for every degree of weather difference, from optimal temperatures of 10°C to 17.5°C, performance in endurance running declined by 0.3% to 0.4%.

Supplement consumption

Many athletes take supplements in hopes of increasing sport performance. One common supplement many athletes take is creatine. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that your body produces to supply your muscles with energy. A recent study showed that Creatine monohydrate supplementation significantly increased muscle creatine content by around 24%.

Veganism and Health

Diets are a common trend among society in order to manage weight and stay healthy. One common diet that has gained popularity is veganism. Veganism is the dieting practice of not consuming any animal-based products including meat, eggs, dairy and more. Recent studies suggest that a carefully designed vegan diet can help to improve sports…

Sport nutrition within post-secondary athletic departments

The importance of nutrition for developing athletes is being increasingly recognized. As such, many universities and colleges are adding nutrition services to their athlete resources. Researchers have proposed 4 sports nutrition models for post-secondary athletic programs to deliver nutritional services and education.

Nutrition and sleep

Research shows that proper nutrition habits can improve an athlete’s sleep. Getting a good night of sleep is critical, as it boosts immune function, improves recovery times, and promotes learning, all of which can increase athletic performance. Good nutrition habits, such as eating a balanced diet and avoiding large meals before bed, can lead to…

Monitoring vitamin D levels for injury prevention

Research shows that a high proportion of athletes are vitamin D deficient. Low vitamin D levels impact muscle strength and endurance, and increase risk for stress fractures. Athletes should monitor their vitamin D levels, especially during Canadian winters, when there is less exposure to sunlight. 

Navigating nutrition for adolescent athletes

Adolescence is an important period of physical growth and the development of one’s relationship with food. Researchers assert that those providing nutritional advice to adolescent athletes should emphasize sustainable long-term health and avoid a focus on body composition, which can contribute to the development of disordered eating practices or low energy availability. Adolescent athletes need…